Page 29 of Where Darkness Bloomed (Of Stars and Salt #1)

Jasmine perfumed the evening air, carried by a soft wind. Silver silks billowed across the open terrace, catching the dying light of the sunset as it bled into night.

“What do you mean?” Thalia’s voice was a hush of concern. Her silhouette flickered, outlined by the fire dancing in the marble hearth. Behind her, shadows drifted along the polished stone walls.

“He told me to go,” Aglaia said quietly, sorrow thickening the words.

She sat curled beside the fire, arms tightly wrapped around her knees. Her sisters sat close, forming a quiet circle around the hearth.

“But he kissed you,” Thalia protested.

“On the forehead.” Aglaia’s voice cracked. “As he told me to leave.”

“You are goddess of beauty,” Euphrosyne interjected, disbelief coloring her voice. “He would not simply... turn you away.”

The memory surged, so painful it felt like she would wrench apart.

“He would,” she murmured. “He has endured much.”

Euphrosyne’s gaze grew pensive. “But his marriage to Aphrodite was Hera’s arrangement, not his. And it ended long ago.” Her voice turned soothing. “Aglaia, he does not pine for her.”

But the words offered little comfort. Her thoughts only spiraled, dark and tangled.

How much misfortune had he endured at Hera’s hands?

Thalia’s smile was gentle, touched by sadness. “There are others.” She nodded toward the open balcony, where the horizon held the last gold traces of sun. “Apollo would call himself blessed to have you.”

Aglaia shook her head, unable to speak, looking away. Tears silently slipped down her cheeks as she buried her face into her arms.

It didn’t matter. None other mattered.

Only him.